402 PEOCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



54. Ara macao (Liun.)- 



Abundant. The size, gaudy colors, and loud voice of this bird make it, 

 perhaps, the most noticeable one of the region. It feeds almost exclu- 

 sively upon fruits and nuts, is strictly monogamous and, although mat- 

 rimonial jars are of daily and hourly occurrence, is very aftectionate. 

 The bill is so enormous and strong and the bite so dangerous that the 

 collector is sometimes at a loss as to the best manner of killiug this bird 

 when wounded. I solved the diiiiculty very quickly and satisfactorily 

 by breaking its neck with a vigorous blow with the back of a " machete," 

 the long heavy knife universally carried by the natives and absolutely 

 indispensable to the collector. This is a sure and effective means of 

 killing the Macaw. These birds generally sit in pairs close to each 

 other, and both can usually be killed with one shot. Iris very j)ale 

 yellow. Bare parts of the head i^iukish white. 

 Five specimens. 



March 31. 



March 31. 



April 1. 



April 17. 



April 17. 



55. Brotogerys tovi (Gin.)- 



Exceedingly abundant. The common Parakeet of the region. It is 

 found in flocks varying from half a dozen to one hundred or more. It 

 is a remarkably tough little bird and hard to kill. When struck by the 

 shot it does not fly like most birds, but grasps the limb tightly with its 

 strong feet and hangs on until quite dead. It seems to prefer solitary 

 trees standing in open fields, although it is found in almost all situa- 

 tions except on the ground. Iris brown. Cere white. 

 Eight specimens. 



March 30. 



April 16. 



April 21. 



April 25. 



April 26. 



April 28. 



May 3. 



May 3. 



56. Chrysotis auripalliata (Schleg.)- 



Abundant. Its harsh cry is always heard throughout that region 

 from sunrise to sunset. As night comes on they begin to gather into 

 some particuhir tree, coming always in pairs and making a great deal 

 of noise in settling for the night. It seems difficult for them to suit 

 tliemselves as to their quarters for the night, and they try a number of 

 situations, discussing each with many querulous expressions of discon- 



